Keonjhar: There is a lack of encouragement from the government for farmers interested in taking up turmeric, tea and coffee cultivation though the climate of this district is conducive for such farming.
Some experts pointed out that the mining sector certainly provides a huge opportunity of employment to the local populace, but the cultivation of turmeric, coffee and tea, if promoted strategically by the government, could benefit a huge number of tribal farmers, who have been leading miserable lives. In addition, tourists could be drawn towards this district to see cultivation of turmeric, coffee and tea.
The climate, hilly and forested terrains of the district are quite similar to that in Kandhamal, where turmeric has been a major cash crop for scores of farmers. Kandhamal ‘haldi’ has become a brand across the state. Some farmers alleged turmeric cultivation is being neglected here.
According to environmentalists, the mining sector has its advantages and disadvantages. While forests and environment have been damaged by mining, tribals have been displaced from their habitations. In such circumstances, focus on these cash crops can boost the tribal economy.
Coffee cultivation has been experimentally undertaken on a joint venture at Taramakant under Bansapal block. It was learnt that the quality of tea and coffee produced here is good.
A few years ago, tea and coffee of Bansapal were being exported abroad due to their quality. Coffee was being sent to the Coffee Board in Koraput and Coffee Growers’ Association.
Sadly, the cultivation gradually petered out while the government did not explore the potentials of the sector.
Much importance was given to the mining sector but this sector was left neglected. For lack of impetus, very few farmers are growing coffee here these days, it was learnt.
Pritam Rathore, a coffee grower of the locality, said, “Earlier, about four tonne of coffee was being produced in his farm, but the production has now come down to 1.5 tonne. If the government provides necessary support to coffee growers, the latter can grow coffee on a large-scale.”
Only one-time investment is necessary for the coffee cultivation. Once the plants grow, they are taken care of for four to five years. The labour investment is mainly focused on coffee collection and drying process.
Coffee cultivation will not only protect the environment but also provide livelihood to scores of people.
Similar is the story of tea cultivation in the district. A tea garden worth crores of rupees at Taramkant Bhuyan Pidhi dried while production at a processing plant has come to a standstill.
Scores of Bhuyan tribals who had worked in the garden could not get their wages. They are to get Rs 10 lakh towards wages while a case is pending in the High Court in this regard.
“Turmeric cultivation can be explored in this district since the climate is suitable for it. In plains of hilly areas, turmeric can be grown as inter-cropping, particularly in mango orchards. Tribals can earn handsomely,” said scientist Dr Sujit Nath.
The major advantage of turmeric is that elephants and other wild animals do not destroy the cultivation.
“Such cash crop cultivation should be given importance. This sector will give huge livelihood opportunity to tirbals,” said environmentalist Dr Bimbadhar Behera.
District tourism officer RK Nayak admitted, “Tea and coffee cultivation could play a role in draw tourists to the district.” PNN
